Tennis: Erakovic makes her fifth semifinal

New Zealand tennis No 1 Marina Erakovic won her quarter-final singles match at the US$220,000 WTA event in Memphis defeating Michaella Krajicek in two hours 26 minutes for a 6-4 6-7(2) 6-4 victory this morning.

The win puts Erakovic into her fifth career semifinal. One was at the same tournament in 2008 where she made the last four before losing to Lindsay Davenport.

Her previous best results have been at Quebec City where she reached the final last year, the ASB Classic semis in 2008 and semis at Birmingham 2008.

Erakovic served 13 aces and no double faults in the match.

The New Zealander won 101 points compared to the Dutchwoman's 96, and her stronger and more consistent serving (63 per cent first serves) counted in the end result.

Erakovic, who turns 24 next month, will face 89-ranked Russian Vera Dushevina for a spot in the final.

The Kiwi has a ranking of 54 and should improve on her previous best of 49 when the new list is released next week.